To maximize talent acquisition, it’s important to use standardized job titles in your ads and listings.
Calling someone by their name is a way of letting them know they’re important to us. It’s also a sign of respect. But what if you call them by the wrong name? If you mistakenly call Kate “Jennifer,” how likely is she to respond?
Job titles are like a name, and we turn our head when we hear the right one.
When advertising for nursing positions by direct mail postcards or other methods, an unclear or incorrect job title can leave job seekers confused. These candidates have credentials or licenses that let them perform special functions. Instead of using a creative job title that’s unique to your company, try using the following standardized terms in your ads to ensure you’re turning the right heads.
Registered Nurse
A registered nurse (RN) is someone who has graduated from an accredited nursing program, has passed a state board examination, and has been registered and licensed to practice nursing. This is a universal term used in every state.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is an umbrella term given to a registered nurse who has at least a master’s degree and clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education and licensing required of all RNs, and who provides at least some level of direct care to patient populations. Under this umbrella fit the principal types of APRNs: Nurse practitioner (NP), Certified nurse-midwife (CNM), Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).
Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)—also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas—complement the healthcare team by providing basic and routine care consistent with their education under the direction of an RN, APRN or MD/DO in a variety of settings.
Certified Nurse Aide
Certified nurse aides (CNAs) have completed an accredited CNA program, taken a state exam and have been placed on the state CNA registry. Working under a nurse’s supervision, CNAs help patients with activities of daily living and the collection of data such as vital signs and intake and output.
All states require nursing assistants working in nursing homes to be a CNA (at a minimum). This ensures that nursing assistants working in long-term care facilities have standardized minimum training and do not have substantiated findings of abuse or neglect.
The exact title for nursing assistants varies from state to state. They may be certified (CNA), registered (RNA), licensed (LNA) or state tested and approved (STNA). Even though each state is required by law to maintain a Nurse Aide Registry, the state-recognized title for the position could be nurse aide, nurse assistant or nursing assistant. To be certain, check with the state licensing or credentialing entity.
CNAs can go beyond their basic training in some states and earn additional certifications, including Medication Aide, Geriatric Aide and Home Health Aide. The CNA certification must be completed first or in conjunction with any additional certification. Because these certifications aren’t offered by every state, take a few minutes to research what is applicable in your state.
Nurse Assessment Coordinator/MDS Coordinator
Skilled nursing facilities are required to conduct an assessment and care planning process designed to promote residents’ quality of care. The Nurse Assessment Coordinator is the person tasked with coordinating and managing this process. The position is generally referred to as “MDS coordinator,” as the role requires an understanding of Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) rules and regulations. At a minimum, the position must be staffed by an LPN/LVN. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that an RN serve in a coordinating role for the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) process.
MDS coordinators may also obtain The American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination‘s (AANAC’s) Resident Assessment Coordinator Certified (RAC-CT) designation by completing specialized training and completing the association’s national certification exam.
In Part 2 of our post (coming soon), we’ll break down the positions and titles in therapy disciplines.